Success! Thomas from Tanzania raised $838 to fund orthopedic surgery.

Thomas’s surgery went well. After four weeks, he will be able to walk and play without pain.

Thomas’s mother says, “I am very happy that finally my son has been able to be treated, I thank you all who made this possible. He is surely going to grow into a strong hardworking man.”

Thomas’s surgery went well. After four weeks, he will be able to walk and play without pain.
Thomas’s mother says, “I am very happy that...

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May 31, 2018

Thomas is a toddler from Tanzania. He has two siblings.

Thomas was diagnosed with genu varus, which means his legs bow outward at the knee. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. This has affected his mobility.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Thomas. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 5. Treatment will hopefully restore Thomas’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Thomas’s mother says, “I will be so happy to see him walk well please help us.”

Thomas is a toddler from Tanzania. He has two siblings.
Thomas was diagnosed with genu varus, which means his legs bow outward at the kne...

Thomas received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC). Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

Process

Impact on patient's life

Risks and side-effects

Accessibility

Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The bones and joints will be aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.